OVI Checkpoints in Perry

CityOVI Checkpoint LocationDate
Undisclosed LocationUndisclosed Location - OVI CheckpointsFriday, August 23, 2024
SomersetUndisclosed Location - OVI Checkpoints8:00 PM to 10:00 PM - December 31, 2023

Perry County is a rural and scenic area in southeastern Ohio, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian region. Though known for its quiet towns and state parks, the county still experiences OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) enforcement activity—especially near popular camping areas, local festivals, and major routes leading to and from nearby cities like Lancaster, Zanesville, and Logan.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol, along with the Perry County Sheriff’s Office, conducts OVI checkpoints and saturation patrols on roads with a known history of impaired driving or heavy event traffic. These checkpoints are typically set up near village centers, intersections, or highways with nightlife activity or seasonal traffic.

About Perry County, Ohio

Perry County includes a mix of small villages, state forest areas, and rural highways. The region is home to several tight-knit communities, including:

  • New Lexington (county seat)

  • Crooksville

  • Somerset

  • Thornville

  • Junction City

  • Glenford

  • Shawnee

While Perry County doesn’t have large city nightlife, it does see seasonal upticks in impaired driving cases due to lake traffic, bonfire parties, camping trips, and events like county fairs and bike runs.

Major Roads Where OVI Checkpoints Are Conducted

Key highways and roadways patrolled for DUI enforcement:

  • SR-13 (north-south route from Somerset to New Lexington and beyond)

  • SR-93 (connects New Lexington to Shawnee and Crooksville)

  • SR-37 (east-west from Junction City to Lancaster)

  • SR-204 (into Thornville and Hebron area)

  • US-22 (in the north near Somerset)

  • SR-345 (Crooksville and northwest toward Zanesville)

Law Enforcement Agencies Conducting Checkpoints:

  • Ohio State Highway Patrol – Lancaster and Zanesville Posts

  • Perry County Sheriff’s Office

  • Village Police Departments in New Lexington, Crooksville, Somerset, and Thornville

High-Risk OVI Checkpoint Locations in Perry County

Below are the most common areas where OVI checkpoints or DUI saturation patrols are conducted based on local traffic patterns, proximity to events, and accident data.

New Lexington – SR-13 and Downtown Area

Checkpoint Area:

  • SR-13 (Main Street) near:

    • Broadway Street

    • Town Street

    • Southside gas stations

    • Near Perry County Fairgrounds

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Downtown New Lexington

  • Perry County Sheriff’s Office

  • Restaurants, bars, and convenience stores

  • Fairgrounds and high school events

Why it’s targeted:
New Lexington is the largest town in Perry County and acts as a hub for nightlife and school activities. State Route 13 runs directly through town and is a key corridor for locals and through traffic. Checkpoints are often placed at intersections leading in and out of the village.

Agencies: Perry County Sheriff’s Office, OSHP

Crooksville – SR-93 & SR-669 Corridors

Checkpoint Area:

  • SR-93 near:

    • Ceramic Avenue / Buckeye Street

    • Village limits toward Roseville

  • SR-669 connecting Crooksville to Deavertown and McLuney

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Crooksville High School

  • Local taverns and restaurants

  • Neighborhood subdivisions

Why it’s targeted:
Crooksville has a history of DUI-related crashes and enforcement efforts tend to ramp up during sports seasons and summer gatherings. The SR-93 corridor is a primary target due to the traffic volume and past incident data.

Agencies: Crooksville PD, Perry County Sheriff

Somerset – US-22 and SR-13 Junction

Checkpoint Area:

  • US-22 near:

    • SR-13 intersection

    • Marathon station and local diners

  • SR-13 North heading toward Thornville

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Somerset downtown square

  • Local churches and inns

  • Nearby SR-204 cutoff toward Buckeye Lake

Why it’s targeted:
Somerset is a connector for multiple county and state routes. The crossroads near US-22 and SR-13 creates a natural bottleneck that’s useful for DUI checkpoint setups, especially during community events and parades.

Agencies: Somerset PD, OSHP

Thornville – SR-204 and Buckeye Lake Area

Checkpoint Area:

  • SR-204 near:

    • Downtown Thornville

    • Intersection with SR-13

    • Roads leading to Buckeye Lake (especially during summer)

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Downtown Thornville

  • Beer stores and campgrounds

  • Proximity to Buckeye Lake State Park

Why it’s targeted:
During summer, Thornville sees increased DUI patrols due to its proximity to Buckeye Lake. Many lake visitors pass through Thornville on their way back home, especially after concerts, bonfires, or weekends at lake cabins.

Agencies: OSHP (Lancaster Post), Perry County Sheriff

Junction City and Glenford – SR-37 and Township Roads

Checkpoint Area:

  • SR-37 near:

    • Downtown Junction City

    • CR-19 toward New Lexington

    • Routes west into Fairfield County

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Small bars and carryouts

  • Local township halls and fairgrounds

  • Remote roadways used as bypasses

Why it’s targeted:
Though quieter, these towns lie on SR-37—a connector route to Lancaster, a larger nightlife hub. Drivers returning to Perry County late at night from Fairfield County are often stopped near these rural intersections.

Agencies: OSHP, Perry County Sheriff

When Are OVI Checkpoints Conducted in Perry County?

Checkpoints and increased DUI patrols are most common during:

  • Friday and Saturday nights (9 PM – 2 AM)

  • Holiday weekends, including:

    • New Year’s Eve

    • Fourth of July

    • Memorial Day and Labor Day

  • Summer events and concerts near Buckeye Lake

  • Perry County Fair and Fall Festivals

The Ohio State Highway Patrol, especially out of Lancaster and Zanesville, coordinates with the Perry County Sheriff’s Office to set up checkpoints on high-traffic rural roads where impaired driving incidents have occurred in the past.